What is the trick to replace the basement rams? These are 150# rams and I need to compress them about an inch to install them.
Getting the old ones off shouldn't be difficult but need tips on how to install the new ones.
I use a 1" ratchet strap on the high rate ones. Get the ends centered in the strap, and tighten the strap. You may have to help the strap slide on one end as it's tightened. Be careful.
Greg
I too used a ratchet strap to compress gas lift struts but as MisterEd said, be careful as it can slip out easily especially since the strap has to slide around the end as it is compressed. Furthermore the strap can get in the way when you are doing the install on the ball stud.
This video (compress a lift strut) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jciJUIQ81YY) shows a method using a pipe clamp and wire. I like the wire idea as I think it would not impede getting the strut on the bolt. I am interested in the creative ways others have devised.
And be careful when you remove the old one too as they can still have enough pressure in them to hurt you, not to mention the door needs to be secure so it will not drop down. I had a near miss when I removed one thinking it was weak. It was not holding the door all the way up, but still had a lot of pressure.
We used an Irwin QuickGrip clamp. 300 series, 24"
Obviously be VERY careful as the struts/spring lifts will be dangerous once compressed.
Forest, 150# sounds high. Not trying to second guess you. Just seem to remember a post a while back that suggested they were 70#, but that might have been for a different application/door. I do not think this is a more is better situation as having them too strong will put extra stress on the mounting points.
These are for bus style doors, takes more force.
Roger told me about a wooden jig he built for replacing my propane gas door with 100# lifts. It was a challenge. I used his idea after rigging up my bar clamp to compress the strut. Transferring the strut from the clamp to the jig is tricky. Took me a couple of tries. Search for his post.
150# sounds correct. I bet it will be lots of fun.
Use a notched stick to hold the strut to the right length, just short of the max length needed. Pop it on.
Gas struts at LP tank door (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=39552.msg389882#msg389882)
Finally finished installing the ram. I used an Irwin 24" bar clamp and on the screw handle end since the rubber pad is floppy I used a washer to keep the ram end centered. I used a 2x to support the door when I released the old ram. I removed the old dead ram then after popping up the metal keepers the new ram just slipped on. Set the 2 keepers and removed the bar clamp. Easy.